Travel Guide
Showa Shinzan is one of Japan's youngest mountains and a volcanic lava dome in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Hokkaido. Sowa Shinza was created by an eruption of Mount Usu-zan, the mountain suddenly rose from a flat wheat field to its current height of 290 meters between 1943 and 1945. Initially, a series of strong earthquakes shook the area, and wheat fields were rapidly uplifted. Lava broke through the surface and the current peak was created. The peak is now 398 m (1,306 ft) tall, and still actively smoking. The name Showa Shinzan literally means Showa new mountain, as it formed during the reign of Emperor Hirohito, known as the Showa period 1926-1989).
Still venting sulfurous fumes today, Showa Shinzan stands directly next to Mount Usu-zan. You can get good views of the young volcano by taking the Usuzan Ropeway.
When Showa Shinzan first appeared, the Japanese authorities were worried that it might be interpreted as an unlucky omen, since the formation of the volcano occurred during the height of World War II, and its existence was kept secret. Much of the information about peak's formation during these years comes from local postmaster Masao Mimatsu who died in 1977. He kept detailed records of the growth of Showa Shinzan and through his savings he eventually became the owner of the new volcano. There is Mimatsu Masao Volcano Memorial Museum which displays his records and other materials.
Travel Advice
Events
| Events in 2020 | ||
| Showa Shinzan International Yunigassen | All players should follow the rules. To win the game, you need to capture your opponents' flag or eliminate all their players, or the team with more remaining players at the end of the game. | Feb 22(Sat) and 23(Sun) |
Visit
| Address | Sobetsu-cho, Hokkaido | |
| Phone | 0142-66-2121 (Sobetsu-cho Economy Section) 0142-73-2662 (Sobetsu-cho Tourist Assosiation) 0142-75-2446 (Toyako Onsen Tourist Assosiation) |
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| Admission | Free | |
| Hours | Free time | |
| Closed | Open 7 Days a Week | |
| Duration | 30 minutes | |
| Getting There | By Train 15 minutes ride by Donan Bus bound for Toyako Hot Spring from JR Toya Station to the Toyako Hot Spring Bus Terminal, change to the bus for Showa Shinzan to final bus stop, then walk 1 minute. By Car Take Hokkaido Expressway to Date exit and take National Highway route 453. It is approximately 8 kilometers 15 minutes from exit. |
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| Parking | Free parking available | |
Attractions in Japan